Winter storm could damage trees, cut power in CT: National Weather Service

Winter storm could damage trees, cut power in CT: National Weather Service

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UPDATE, 4 p.m.: The weather was starting to lead to accidents Sunday afternoon. The Fairfield Police Department reported on its Twitter page shortly before 4 p.m. that “several vehicle crashes have already been reported. Please remember to take it slow while driving in ice and snow. If possible, we ask that you remain off the roads to allow crews to treat and clear Fairfield’s 271+ miles of roadways.”

UPDATE, 3:49 p.m.: Though Bradley International airport was open Sunday afternoon “We are starting to see some flight delays/cancellations for this afternoon/evening,” read a post on the airport’s Twitter page. “If you are traveling, please contact your airline to confirm the status of your flight.”

Meanwhile, the weather was leading to closures and parking bans in towns throughout the region.

In Stratford, a parking ban was announced on the town Facebook page Sunday afternoon. “In consideration of inclement winter weather there will be a parking ban in Stratford tonight to accommodate clearing of streets. Parking is permitted on the odd numbered side of the road only,” the post read.

In Monroe, the bookstore Turning the Page — which had announced its intent to stay open until 4 p.m. earlier in the day on Sunday — posted on its Facebook page around 3:20 p.m. that it was closing early due to the weather, and that its hours might change Monday, depending on whether the schools were closed.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m. — State DOT officials are reporting slippery road conditions in Danbury and Waterbury. State police have advised drivers to stay off the roads, but ask that anyone who does venture out to drive slow.

The season’s first winter storm could result in power outages and dropped tree limbs in the Danbury region, the National Weather Service warned Sunday. The storm is expected to dump around six to eight inches of snow on the city, and some areas could see as much as a foot of accumulated snow.

Coastal communities are expected to see less snow, with the weather agency predicting around three-to-four inches of snow around Bridgeport and New Haven along Long Island Sound.

“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible,” the National Weather Service said early Sunday morning.

A winter storm warning has been issued for northern Fairfield and Litchfield counties from 11 a.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Forecasters say the storm will turn from snow to a wintery mix of freezing rain and sleet overnight, with the heaviest snow expected this afternoon. That sleet and rain will turn back into snow Monday, and continue into Monday night.

With the storm predicted for multiple days, the weather could disrupt travel plans for many returning from seeing relatives over the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Twitter, Bradley International Airport said several airlines have issued travel advisories with the impending storm. It directed passengers to reach out to their individual airlines to see if their flight will be affected.

Danbury officials said Sunday that a street parking ban would go into effect later in the day.

“We will be ticketing and towing vehicles left in the street,” said Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton on Twitter. He said the city is expecting anywhere from five to 14 inches of “heavy wet snow.”

Many other cities have similar bans on street parking during snowy weather.

The Brookfield Public Works Department reminded its residents on Facebook that the town has a street parking ban in effect, and asked residents to limit their driving as much as possible during the storm.

In Monroe, First Selectman Ken Kellogg sent residents an email Saturday reminding them of the rule.

“Parked vehicles hinder emergency response, create a hazard for the public, and interfere with the safe removal of snow or ice,” he said.

In Middletown, cars left on the street will be towed at the owner’s expense, the public works department said, and drivers will also be charged a $100 fine.

Lend a hand

A Hartford firefighters union suggested one way Connecticut residents can help out first responders after the storm subsides. With snow and ice likely blockading fire hydrants after the storm, anyone with a shovel can help clear a path in case fire trucks need to access them in an emergency, Hartford’s Local 760 chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters said on Twitter.

Snow and ice should be removed from the hydrant, and then a three-foot path should be dug around the hydrant, the union said. A pathway connecting the hydrant to the street should also be shoveled out.